Definition

1. Verb:
   • To calculate or estimate incorrectly; to make an error in mathematical computation or numerical judgment.
   • To judge or assess a situation, outcome, or someone's abilities incorrectly.

Usage

• The verb "miscalculate" is used to describe an error in calculation or judgment. It is a transitive verb, typically followed by a direct object (what was calculated or judged wrongly). It often implies that the error leads to an unexpected or negative consequence.

Examples

• Mathematical/Quantitative Error:
  • The architect miscalculated the load-bearing capacity of the beam.
  • We miscalculated the total cost and ran out of budget.
• Error in Judgment/Assessment:
  • The general miscalculated the enemy's strength.
  • She miscalculated how long the project would take.

Advanced Usage

• "to miscalculate badly/grossly/seriously": To make a very significant or severe error in calculation or judgment.
  • The company miscalculated badly by ignoring the new market trends.
• Used in passive constructions:
  • The risk was completely miscalculated by the management team.

Variants and Related Words

• Miscalculation (noun): The act or instance of miscalculating; an error in calculation or judgment.
  • A serious miscalculation led to the financial loss.
• Miscalculated (adjective): Describing something that is based on a wrong calculation.
  • The project failed due to miscalculated risks.

Synonyms

• Misjudge: To form an incorrect opinion or estimate about.
• Misestimate: To estimate incorrectly.
• Err in calculation: A more formal phrase for making a computational mistake.

Antonyms

• Calculate correctly
• Judge accurately

Related Phrases/Idioms

• To have miscalculated: Often used to admit or state that one's judgment was wrong.
  • I see now that I had miscalculated; the task was much harder than it appeared.

Verb

1. calculate incorrectly
   • I miscalculated the number of guests at the wedding
2. judge incorrectly
   • I had misestimated his determination